The Lesson from the Wise Pandit

Ramu angrily said, “Brother, I am the elder one, so I deserve the bigger portion of the land. It’s my right.”

Shyamu responded firmly, “No, brother, the land should be divided equally. Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you get everything!”

The two brothers, arguing fiercely, went to Pandit Ji, hoping he could resolve their dispute. Pandit Ji patiently listened to both of them and then, with a slight smile, responded.

Pandit Ji said, “I’ve heard both of your points. But the solution won’t come today. Come to my house tomorrow evening, and I’ll show you the way. There’s one condition, though—you both will have to help me with something.”

The next evening, the two brothers arrived at Pandit Ji’s house. Pandit Ji handed each of them a small plate and gave them an unusual task.

Pandit Ji explained, “Here, you both will eat from these plates, but there’s one condition—you can only eat if the plate is held by the other person.”

Ramu, puzzled, asked, “From the other person’s hand? How is that possible, Pandit Ji?”

Shyamu, equally confused, said, “Brother, this sounds really strange to me.”

The two brothers tried to hold each other’s plates and eat, but it was incredibly difficult. They failed repeatedly and began to blame each other. After some time, they realized that the only way to eat was by helping each other.

Ramu, realizing the truth, softly said, “I think we’ll have to help each other.”

Shyamu nodded in agreement, “Yes, brother, now I understand—cooperation is the key.”

With this newfound understanding, the brothers started helping each other eat, and they successfully completed their meal. They realized that without helping one another, no task could be accomplished. The next day, Pandit Ji imparted a valuable life lesson.

Pandit Ji explained, “Look, only when you helped each other were you able to eat. The issue of the land is the same. If you both divide the land equally and support one another, your lives will be filled with peace and happiness.”

Hearing this, both brothers resolved their differences, divided the land equally, and learned that cooperation and understanding are the foundation of a harmonious life.